Distance: 1.5 - 2 km Time: 30-45 min Terrain: Moderate 1 SETTLEMENT TRAIL 89 Semaphore Hill This short trail is ideal for families and provides a great introduction to the immediate area. Taking in whale bones, settlement buildings and gardens, the walk also provides a glimpse into farming life with the chance to watch farm activities such as shearing or cattle work if the time is right. It includes a short climb to the Shearing shed summit of Bleaker’s highest hill, an altitude of just 27m (89 feet), giving views across the island and surrounding ocean. 1 Main route Settlement Walk first to the BBQ hut in front of Cassard House. BBQ hut Take time to admire the “Essence of our Community” Imperial artwork on the south-facing wall then go through the gate cormorants Long to see a full Sei whale skeleton, above the beach, nestled 0 100 200 300 400 500 Gulch into the green. 2 Meters From here a route can usually be picked out along the Rockhopper shore in a northerly direction towards the shearing shed Short Gulch penguins and stock yards, taking in a pretty little bay with a variety First Is. of birds. If the weather is very wet and the shoreline muddy, Pebbly Bay an alternative is to walk back through the gate by the Tips: bar-b-que hut, down through the low valley via the wind Ask if anything is happening on the farm, to turbine and solar panels, then through two time the walk accordingly, but remember to gates along a clear track. You may see the respect the animals remains of the ‘Black Swan’ on the beach, Magellanic Don’t forget a camera for the beautiful views a boat used around East Falkland and Bleaker penguins in the 1960s. You will see the old stone jetty; at low tide you may see the remains of Logger walking on the other side of it, to a corner where fences historic fish walls built to catch local mullet. Head meet and a stile (wooden steps) gives access back to the Take a detour here to see the vegetable north-side of the fence. (This is easier than remaining on gardens if wished. the same side of the fence and negotiating a wire gate.) To the west of the shearing shed are views Hunters Climb the stile back to the north-side and choose a route to the remains of a jetty, on which cormorants frequently Bay to the top of Semaphore Hill, easily distinguishable by the perch, and landing ramp with First, Second and Third communication mast at the summit. A brass trigonometry Islands beyond. A variety of birds can be seen in this area, point can be found on the top of the hill. In the distant notably the black-crowned night heron. You will also find past this was the site of a mast on which semaphore flags two old cart wheels perched on the bank above the beach. were used to send messages to East Falkland (for mail and Magellanic stores deliveries etc). Don’t miss the military names in stone Walk around the shearing shed and follow the track penguins en-route (see photographs). On a clear day, views from the through a gate, then turn immediately right to follow the top span across the island, across to East and West Falkland fence-line to the east. Look for a gate on the right-hand Sea lions and out to sea. side just after passing the gardens and polytunnels; go through this gate. Continue to follow the fence-line, now Retrace the route to the stile then walk along the fence-line to gain easy access back to the main settlement. Stile Countryside Code Self-Guided 1. Always ask for permission before entering Self-Guided private land. 2. Keep to paths wherever possible. Leave gates, open or shut, as you find them. 3. Be aware of the high fire risk throughout the islands; WALKS particularly when lighting fires, BBQs or smoking. WALKS 4. Do not litter*. Take your rubbish home with you or use a bin provided 5. Never feed, touch, handle, injure or kill any wild BLEAKER ISLAND BLEAKER ISLAND bird or animal*. SETTLEMENT & THE SOUTH SETTLEMENT & THE SOUTH 6. Always give animals the right of way. Do not block the routes of birds or animals coming home to their colonies. Do not startle or chase wildlife from resting or breeding areas*. 7. Prevent disturbance to wild birds and animals. Always Flora & Fauna highlights Bleaker Island was first named Long stay on the outside of colonies and remain at least 6 m Black-chinned siskin Magellanic oystercatcher Two-banded plover Island then became Breaker Island after (20 ft) away. Blackish oystercatcher Magellanic penguin Upland goose 8. When taking photographs or filming, stay low to the Black-throated finch Patagonian crested duck White-rumped the large waves that crash on the shore. ground. Move slowly and quietly. Make sure your flash Brown-hooded gull Rock cormorant sand piper is turned off*. Always be aware of the location of your Chiloe widgeon Rockhopper penguin White-tufted grebe This beautiful island has attractive camera and equipment, including “selfie-sticks”. Do not Dark-faced ground tyrant Ruddy-headed goose Dolphin gull Diddle dee coastlines with a stunning long beach, use this to get closer to wildlife. Rhufous-chested dotterel Falklands flightless Silvery grebe Christmas bush Sandy Bay, and pretty ponds. There are 9. Some plants are protected and should not be picked*. steamer duck Silver teal Lady’s slipper Wildflowers are there for all to enjoy. Falklands pipit Skua Pig vine many seabirds, waterfowl and song birds Falklands thrush 10. Whalebones, skulls, eggs, etc. may not be exported Snowy sheathbill Scurvy Grass to observe. The shores are also home to from the Falkland Islands*. They should be left where Gentoo penguin South American snipe Sea cabbage they are found. Grass wren Southern caracara Small fern sea lions and to rare species of plants. Imperial cormorant Tussac grass 11. Do not disfigure rocks or buildings*. Southern giant petrel Kelp goose Speckled teal Yellow violet *Such actions may constitute an offence in the Falkland Islands Kelp gull Striated caracara and could result in significant fines. Long tailed meadowlark Tussac bird Stay Safe Seek local advice before heading out on any walk. Weather changes quickly, the terrain can be tough and there may be areas to avoid at certain times of year due to breeding wildlife and the farming calendar. Always tell someone where you are going with an estimated return time. Ensure you have plenty to eat and drink along with additional warm clothing. Jetty Visitor Centre, Ross Road, Stanley Bleaker Island is a working sheep and cattle farm and has FALKLAND ISLANDS FIQQ 1ZZ many gates and these should be used wherever possible. +500 22281 [email protected] However, fences can be crossed if necessary. Signs show electrification but this is only at certain times of year. Ask twitter.com/FITBTourism before setting out. Please respect fences, stepping over facebook.com/FITBTourism or through the wires not onto them, and leave all gates as found; they are there for a reason! www.falklandislands.com Distance: 3 km Time: ≈ 1 hour Terrain: Moderate/Hard Distance: 9 km Time: 3 - 4 Hours Terrain: Moderate/Hard 2 SEA LIONS & PEBBLY BAY SEA LIONS, DOLPHINS 3 & RAM PADDOCK POND This short walk introduces visitors to the spectacular sea lion colony, close to the settlement. As well as breeding sea lions, This delightful walk takes in the main sea lion colony on the young elephant seals are also sometimes seen here. The main island, Dolphin Bay and the lovely Ram Paddock Pond along return route via the edge of the tussac fringe also takes in part of with some attractive stretches of coastline. Southern sea lions the eastern shoreline, including Pebbly Bay, with opportunities to are guaranteed at certain times of year, dolphins can never be observe a range of birdlife and spot the Falklands’ only butterfly. promised but are frequently seen and Ram Paddock Pond is a The walking is initially on easy ground but the return is partially pretty sight to behold. There are many places to stop for a snack through tussac with undulating surfaces, unless returning via the and enjoy beautiful views. The outward walking is on easy ground same outward route. and although the return route requires walking across slightly more challenging terrain, there are no very difficult sections. Main route Tips: To avoid undue disturbance, approach the area with the sea Leave the settlement by the gate in the southern corner. Main route lions very carefully; take local advice about the best method Follow the fence-line along Beach Paddock, either by walking to do this and take care too in the tussac grass in case Follow the opening instructions for the walk “Sea lions closely alongside the fence itself or using the vehicle track. mammals are concealed and Pebbly Bay” to reach and explore the sea lion colony. Where the vehicle track splits, always use the left-hand Return to the same stile and climb back over it, then cut option and keep the fence in sight. Enjoy the flowers as they bloom in their location; please do across the open ground, almost straight across (south- not pick them A stile can be seen where the fence turns sharp left. Climb westerly direction) to a gate; it can be seen in the near over the stile, then walk around the left side of the small cove, distance.